A tarantula, snake, stick insects, hissing cockroaches and giant African land snails have been spotted in a Plymouth library, but there was no need to contact pest control.
A group of students from the animal management department at Duchy College were showcasing the creatures as part of ‘It’s a Bugs Day’ at the brand new St Budeaux Library.
The day was extremely busy with three school groups and the general public of all ages wanting to learn about the different creatures and how to handle them.
Plymouth City Council Development Officer, Debbie Bending, said the event “was a great success”.
“Kerry and her students made it a day to remember and it was very well attended,” she explained.
“We would love to have these kind of events in most of our libraries across the city on a regular basis as it is very well attended and enjoyed by all ages. Can I take this opportunity to say a big thankyou to Kerry and her students. They engaged with the public in a friendly and knowledgeable way and made the event very enjoyable.”
Animal Technician, Kerry Stanyard, said it was a great experience for the students to meet the general public and share their knowledge of the various creatures with them.
“It has given them a major confidence boost,” she continued.
“People of all ages from the very young to very old were keen to get up close with these species.”
Students, Katie Eakers and Tyler Palmer, both from Plymouth, said they had “a great time”.
“It was nerve racking to start with having to stand up in front of people, but it went really well and we are more confident now for when we have to do it again.”
For more information on the range of animal care courses available across The Cornwall College Group visit www.duchy.ac.uk or call 0330 123 2523.
